Is Aaron Jones playing this week? Latest Week 7 injury updates for Packers vs. Broncos
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Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones could return in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos.
Jones is yet to play a full-time role in any game this year. He suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener and has barely played since. Jones returned for a Thursday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions but was limited, and he missed the following matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
But with an additional week of rest during the Packers' bye, Jones had extra time to recover.
Here are the latest injury updates for Jones ahead of Green Bay's road matchup with Denver on Sunday.
Aaron Jones injury status for Packers Week 7 game against Broncos
Aaron Jones could return after the Packers' bye week against the Denver Broncos. He is officially questionable for Week 7.
"This is the best I've felt," said Aaron Jones on Wednesday.
Jones has practiced all week. However, he was limited each day. The fact he didn't practice in full and is questionable is slightly concerning. Even if he is active on Sunday, it's unlikely he will have a full-time role on offense.
It was a similar story two weeks ago against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones was limited all week, listed as questionable to play, but then missed the game. Hopefully, he can return against the Broncos.
Who would replace Aaron Jones in the starting lineup?
If Aaron Jones remains out this week, AJ Dillon will start. Dillon has dominated the carries for the Packers this season. His 64 attempts are by far the most on the team, with Jordan Love ranking second with 18 carries.
Undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson has barely played, making only three carries this season. Patrick Taylor has 11 attempts but is no longer on the roster. The Packers signed veteran James Robinson to the practice squad so he could get called up to the game-day roster if Jones cannot go.
Dillon will get the majority of the Packers' rushing attempts if Jones doesn't play. Wilson hasn't done enough to earn the coaches' trust, while Robinson only just joined the team.
When is Aaron Jones coming back?
Hamstring injuries are difficult to predict. Great care is required to ensure a player isn't rushed back too soon, as that increases the risk of re-injury.
Jones suffered the injury back in Week 1. He returned against the Detroit Lions in Week 4 but only played 20 snaps. He didn't play a week and a half later against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While it does seem Jones' return is imminent, there does need to be some caution. The Packers will ensure he is eased back into action on the practice field.
That said, barring a setback, Jones looks set to return soon, potentially in Week 7 against the Broncos.
Packers next 5 opponents
- Week 8: Minnesota Vikings, October 29, 12 noon
- Week 9: Los Angeles Rams, November 5, 12 noon
- Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers, November 12, 12 noon
- Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers, November 19, 12 noon
- Week 12: @ Detroit Lions, November 23, 11:30 a.m.
Note: All times are CT.
The Packers need to start getting some wins on the board. They have an opportunity to go back-to-back with games against the Broncos and Minnesota Vikings up next. Minnesota won't have All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson available in Week 8.
A tough three-game stretch awaits from Weeks 10-12. A road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers won't be easy. Then, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers visit Lambeau Field before the Packers take on the red-hot Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. That game could get ugly if Green Bay doesn't make significant improvements.
We'll learn a lot about this Packers team over the next five weeks. They have had a chance to reevaluate everything during the bye. They can pull themselves into the wild-card race if they can come away from this stretch with a 3-2 record or better. Anything less, and the season is probably over.
Packers injury report
- RB Aaron Jones (Hamstring) - Questionable
- LB Quay Walker (Knee) - Questionable
- CB Eric Stokes (Foot) - Questionable
- DL Devonte Wyatt (Knee) - Questionable
- G Elgton Jenkins (Knee) - Questionable
- S Darnell Savage (Calf) - Questionable
- S Zayne Anderson (Hamstring) - Questionable
- LB De'Vondre Campbell (Ankle) - Doubtful
- CB Jaire Alexander (Back) - Questionable
- T Yosh Nijman (Knee) - Questionable
The Packers should be closer to full strength in Week 7. De'Vondre Campbell was the only player not to practice on Wednesday.
Quay Walker and Darnell Savage both avoided major injuries and returned to practice this week, which is good news. Green Bay will hopefully get Aaron Jones back to a full-time role, and Eric Stokes could play for the first time in almost a year.
Jaire Alexander was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a back injury. He previously missed two games this season for the same reason. Something to watch.
Broncos injury report
- TE Greg Dulcich (Hamstring) - Out
The Broncos are pretty healthy entering Week 7. Tight end Greg Dulcich is the only player ruled out for Sunday's game.
While the Packers were on bye, the Broncos also got additional time to recover and prepare for this game. They played on Thursday Night Football last week, giving them a mini-bye before hosting the Packers.
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